Overview
- Makhachev confirmed the UFC asked him to defend his welterweight title on Jan. 24 at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, but he refused due to the short turnaround from his Nov. 15 victory.
- He said no opponent was named for January, though he believes it was likely Michael Morales, while his manager has heard Kamaru Usman and Ian Machado Garry mentioned.
- The champion plans to return after Ramadan 2026 and said he is open to appearing on the UFC’s planned White House event if the promotion opts to wait.
- Makhachev has publicly pushed for a matchup with former champion Kamaru Usman, calling him his toughest potential opponent at 170 pounds.
- With Makhachev out of UFC 324, the card will be headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title as welterweight contenders such as Morales and Garry continue their push for a shot.